Cui Posts Top-20 Finish At FINA World Championships

July 14, 2017, 01:15 PM (CT)
Updated: July 14, 2017, 01:27 PM (CT)

Fraser McAlpine
Communications Student Assistant

BUDAPEST, Hungary- LSU All-American diver Lizzie Cui opened up the 2017 FINA World Championships with a strong showing as a representative of her native country of New Zealand, posting a top-20 finish at 19th overall on one-meter on Friday to garner her highest individual place finish on the world stage at the Danube Arena.

“Lizzie had an excellent performance today after placing 19th at the world championships. Her first four dives were exceptional and she was at or near the top-12. Without a below average fifth round, she likely would have made the top-12,” said head diving coach Doug Shaffer. “This is a good start for Lizzie, who still has three more events ahead of her.”

Cui will return to action on Monday for the synchronized three-meter event alongside New Zealand teammate Shaye Boddington.

Cui will also compete on the individual three-meter springboard next Thursday and will wrap up the world championships next Saturday, taking part in the synchronized mixed three-meter event with Tennessee’s Liam Stone.